Studio Connections

Return of the Raven, and The Stockyard Story: March 12-14

Brian Hale — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:11:14 +0000

Studio Connections presents The Stockyard Story and Return of the Raven, two original one act plays by local playwright Tom DeMoss, March 12-14, and March 19-21. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 PM, Sunday performances at 2 PM. Tickets are $15 general and $10 for seniors and students(please bring your Student ID Card), with a preview performance on Thursday, 11^th, at 7:30 PM for only $8.

PLEASE NOTE: We have adjusted the pricing for our shows! We now *include* the $2.00 service fee in our ticket prices, so the price you see on our website is the price you’ll pay through BrownPwperTickets!

Also, If you have a postcard advertising these two shows, you are entitled to buy one ticket, get one ticket at 50% off! This offer only applies to tickets purchased at the door.

The Stockyard Story is a play about the fragility of the human mind and the decisions we make that, unwittingly, can affect us our entire lives.

Return of the Raven is a play about a derelict man with a derelict mind in a derelict house. It’s looking through a window and viewing a reality that “isn’t the external scene but the life that’s lived within it.” It’s a small, crucial slice of time in the man’s life.

Both plays consult our perceptions of reality and affirm the notion that the world is, indeed, as we see it.

For tickets , please visit brownpapertickets.com, or you may purchase directly at the door. For directions to the Studio, please visit this link, which contains the address, and a printable map.

Website Archived have moved!

Brian Hale — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:43:59 +0000

Because our main page was getting a little long, I’ve collapsed the archives into a dropdown, which is now located under the Links section, on the right. This should make it a bit easier to scroll through our website and article updates over the last year.

March 6 – No Coffeehouse!

Brian Hale — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:28:17 +0000

Due to upcoming shows, and continuous rehearsals, our March 6th Coffeehouse has been canceled.

We will be back in April, and we’ll be featuring an evening with Stephen Andrew (www.stephenandrewmusic.com). We hope you’ll join us for this special event!

Review for All In The Timing

Robert Encila — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:10:18 +0000

The Tucson Weekly has reviewed All In The Timing! You can read about it on their website by clicking here. We’ve also reproduced a portion of the article below.

Comedy Duo
Check out the pure pleasure of ‘All in the Timing’ and/or the comic pain of ‘Spic-O-Rama’ this weekend

by Nathan Christensen

…playwright David Ives aims primarily for the brain.Ives is popular among drama students for two reasons: His plays are very funny, and they’re often very short. All in the Timing, now being performed at Studio Connections, is an evening of Ives’ one-acts. Written between 1987 and 1993, the pieces run between five and 20 minutes long.

Ives loves to play with language, and he mines veins of absurd comedy gold from the awkwardness of human communication.

In “English Made Simple,” for example, the small talk at a party is shown as an instructional film, complete with subtext translation. In “Words, Words, Words,” three chimps are charged with writing Hamlet, but keep writing Paradise Lost instead. And in “Variations on the Death of Trotsky,” the Bolshevik revolutionary has an ice ax sticking out of his skull. But he needs to read his biographical sketch in the encyclopedia before he can be convinced that the ax could kill him.

The strongest playlet was the surprisingly moving “Mere Mortals,” directed by Moriah Flagler, about three construction workers (played beautifully by Brian Scott Hale, Steve Wood and John Mussack) who may be more than they seem.

Studio Connections’ daVinci Players appear to have developed this production in a sort of collaborative orgy, with each cast member playing a variety of characters, and pitching in on set construction and directing duties. The advantage of this kaleidoscopic strategy is that performers get a number of chances to show off what they can do.

For example, “The Philadelphia” is basically a one-joke skit—in this metaphysical Philadelphia, you can have anything except what you want—and actors Mussack and Dan Colecchia struggle to make it fly. Director Steve Wood tries to bump up the antics, but to little avail.

Later, though, in “Words, Words, Words,” Mussack gets a chance to display some amazing physical acting, and Colecchia turns into an endearing leading man in “English Made Simple.” Wood shows off his acting chops as a construction worker from Jersey in “Mere Mortals,” and as 50 different variations of a single character in “Sure Thing.”

The only problem with all of the variety is that I don’t have enough space to describe every enjoyable detail. I’ll simply mention that my favorite performances were by Samantha Cormier as an insecure woman trying to learn a new language; Kristina Miranda Sloan as a charismatic monkey; and Hale as (possibly) the adult Lindbergh baby.

Whether your tastes run toward pure pleasure or comic pain, you can find plenty of laughs in these two productions. But hurry: Both plays close this weekend.

All In The Timing – Jan 28-Feb. 14 2010

Brian Hale — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:07:57 +0000

Enjoy an educational and affordable night of theatre in Tucson!

The Reviews are in! Click Here to read what the Tucson Weekly had to say about All In The Timing!

Studio Connections presents: All In The Timing, written by David Ives, and brought to life by your favorite daVinci Players! This contemporary play is a series of one-acts that explores modern existential ideas through hilarious thought provoking scenarios.

Come spend an evening (or lazy Sunday afternoon!) watching a twisted, fragmented, highly amusing comedy of miscommunications told through tongue-tied wordplay and over-the-top antics. All In the Timing is an award-winning play sure to have you aching with laughter – especially when brought to life by our resident daVinci Players:
Teresa Vasquez, Brian Levario, Maria Alburtus, Steve Wood, Kristina Miranda Sloan, John Mussack, Elayna Direnfeld, Daniel Colecchia, Samantha Cormier, and Brian Scott Hale.

Dates and Show Times

Evening Performances: Thursday, January 28^th, 2010 @ 7:30pm (preview)

Friday, January 29^th, 2010 @ 7:30pm (opening)

January 30^th, February 6^th, 12^th, & 13^th @ 7:30pm

*Please note: There is no show on Friday, February 5^th, 2010*

Matinee Performances: January 31^st, February 7^th, & 14^th @ 2:00pm

Click here for tickets through www.brownpapertickets.com or reserve by phone at 520-731-1559.

$15.00 for adults; $10.00 students, seniors and military.

All In The Timing is a production of Studio Connections, a not for profit organization dedicated to helping youth initiate significant, positive personal and social change via the arts.

Studio Connections is located on the grounds of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, at:

9071 East Old Spanish Trail; Tucson, Arizona 85710. (520) 731-1559.
Click here for a printable map!

Coffeehouse Jam – Jan. 8 2010

Brian Hale — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:02:10 +0000

Traditionally, the first friday of the month is our Coffeehouse Jam, but in honor of New Years Day, we’re moving January’s forward a week, to the 8th (at the normal 7.30pm time). Admission is $5.

Information for Performers:

We can arrange for a pianist to accompany you if you choose to sing, however – we would like to give our pianist some time to work on it a little, give it a bit of polish, and make your song sparkle. – just email us at info@studioconnections.net with a good time to meet so we can obtain the sheet music for your song – alternatively you can email us a scan of the music, or physically mail it to us at 9071 E. Old Spanish Trail. (Just make sure you allow enough time for it to arrive.)
If you play an instrument, bring it along, we have a great stage space, and standard amp setup, so feel free to sign up for a few numbers! We also have some fantastic jazz musicians who are itching for a cool jam session, and would love to play along if you’d like.

If you’ve never been to one of our Coffeehouses, check out what the Tucson Weekly has to say about them! (The article is also reproduced below)

City Week

by Aleksa Brown and Sarah Jacoby

Jammin’!

Coffeehouse Jam

Studio Connections

9071 E. Old Spanish Trail

731-1559;

For almost five years, the monthly Coffeehouse Jams at Studio Connections have brought poetry, music, personal narratives, comedy and even musical theater to eastsiders who’d rather not make the trek downtown.

“We try to make it a family-friendly entertainment night,” explains Maria Alburtus. As part of the artistic team at Studio Connections, she is involved with the acting and dance departments, but on the first Friday of every month, she’s the person who will let you know what time your Coffeehouse Jam act starts. Everyone is invited to perform, she says, and she’s the one you’ll check in with.

She explains that the event offers a great way for newer performers to get their work out there, to practice and to get comfortable with performing.

“There are all different age groups and all ranges of talents,” she says. She describes the atmosphere as relaxed and laid-back, but never completely quiet.

All proceeds from the open-mic event will go to Studio Connections’ theater troupe, the DaVinci Players. The DaVinci Players are currently working on Alice in Wonderland and Angels in America.

She says that Tucson was sorely in need of an arts organization on the eastside, so in 2002—starting with just a middle school summer camp—Studio Connections was created.

“Downtown is full of it,” she says. “We needed something out here.”

About to obtain official nonprofit status, Studio Connections has programs in acting, dance and visual arts. Alburtus says that the Coffeehouse Jams event, in particular, is a way for everyone to come together and appreciate each other’s talents.

“We’re all getting together to enjoy all forms of art as a community,” she says.

A Holiday Jazz Concert – Dec. 12 and 13 only!

Brian Hale — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:01:38 +0000

Join

Robert Encila, Marilyn Harris

and their friends

for “Jazz Yule Love” – a holiday jazz concert

Saturday, December 12 at 7.30p,

Sunday, December 13th at 2p.

You’ll hear some of the best musicians and singers at Studio Connections – and we hope you’ll join in for a sing-along or two!

Tickets are $15.00 in advance, $18 at the door;

available through www.brownpapertickets.com, or you can call the box office at 731-1559 and leave your name, the date of the show you’ll be attending, and the number of tickets you require.

For more information call 731-1559.

About the Performers:
After 30+ years as a professional musician/composer/arranger in NYC, Chicago and Los Angeles, Marilyn Harris has been playing around Tucson for the past 5 years, currently subbing at the Gaslight Theater. A veteran composer for TV shows, film score, and national ads, Marilyn boasts an enviable jazz pedigree, appearing and recording with some of the world’s renowned musicians–Mark Walker, Steve Rodby, Steve Eisen, and Ron Kolber, to name a few. Enjoy her class act and read more at www.marilynharris.com.

Robert Encila is a prominent fixture in the Tucson theatre scene. He toured as a dancer in his native Philippines before moving to Arizona where he trained and worked as a singer, actor, and director of nearly seventy productions. Member of Actor’s Equity Association, his recent credits include appearances with Borderlands Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, and The Players Club in New York City. Also in the Big Apple is a regular singing engagement at The Birdland, the “jazz corner of the world,” where he has shared the stage with legendary musicians Hank Jones, Benny Powell, Anne Phillips, Candido, Paquito D’Rivera, and many others.

December 4th Coffeehouse Jam

Maria Alburtus — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:33:46 +0000

Come join us Friday December 4th at 7.30 for our monthly Coffeehouse Jam!

She explains that the event offers a great way for newer performers to get their work out there, to practice and to get comfortable with performing.

“There are all different age groups and all ranges of talents,” she says. She describes the atmosphere as relaxed and laid-back, but never completely quiet.

All proceeds from the open-mic event will go to Studio Connections’ theater troupe, the DaVinci Players.

She says that Tucson was sorely in need of an arts organization on the eastside, so in 2002—starting with just a middle school summer camp—Studio Connections was created.

“Downtown is full of it,” she says. “We needed something out here.”

About to obtain official nonprofit status, Studio Connections has programs in acting, dance and visual arts. Alburtus says that the Coffeehouse Jam event, in particular, is a way for everyone to come together and appreciate each other’s talents.

“We’re all getting together to enjoy all forms of art as a community,” she says.

Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children and students.

Article originally appeared in Tucson Weekly: City Week, August 2009.

Angels In America 10/22-11/8

Brian Hale — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:34:41 +0000

Angels In America: Teaser Trailer

Studio Connections presents Part One of the epic story about a time that changed the world. Tony Kushner’s Angels In America has been making headlnes since its debut on Broadway in 1993. With two Tony Awards for “Best Play” and two Drama Desk Awards for “Outstanding Play”, this show has proven to be a timeless story with a very important message. According to director, Bill Fikaris, “This masterpiece deals with relationships and interactions between lovers, married couples, parents, friends and colleagues while dealing with illness, divorce, religion, secrets and lies. The beauty of this piece is how the play shows that regardless of your beliefs or moral standings, we all have to battle the same demons. Some win, some lose – but it is never as simple as it seems. It is prophetic and profane. Consequently, the audience can view this fantastical diorama allowing them to see versions of themselves and perhaps come to a better understanding of themselves and those around them.

Note: Angels in America deals with mature themes, and may not be appropriate for children under 16.

Purchasing Tickets

Don’t want to wait in line? Don’t want to risk the show being sold out? To ensure you have the opportunity to see “Angels”, you may purchase tickets through brownpapertickets.com. You can print tickets at home, have tickets mailed to you, or just pick them up at out box office when you come to see the show!

You may also call our box office, and leave your name, phone number, date of performance and number of tickets required. We will add your name to the reserved list, and you may pay for your tickets (with cash or check) when you arrive at the theatre. We currently do not accept credit/debit cards at the theatre.

Reserve Ticket Policy:
If your reserved tickets are not picked up 5 minutes prior to the performance,
they will be released for purchase to the general public.

Performance Dates & Times

Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays at 7.30 pm
October October 22 (preview), 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, November 5, 6, 7

Sundays at 2:00 pm
October 25, November 1, 8
SPECIAL OFFER!!

September 2009 Newsletter

Robert Encila — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:38:38 +0000

As we welcome the fall season, we’re excited to share some exciting updates from the studio. Da Vinci Players’ Alice in Wonderland is playing for one more weekend, so we hope you come and see it before it closes on October 4^th. Angels in America opens on October 22^nd and runs for three weekends. Then capping the year is a Holiday Jazz Concert on December 11 and 12. For tickets and reservations to any of our upcoming shows, call the office at 520-731-1559.

Ginny’s art classes start a new session this week. Make sure to check the link to classes for specific times and dates. Da Vinci Prep, which is our theatre class for teens, is well into rehearsals for our fall one-act production/musical theatre vignettes. We’ll keep you updated on performance dates.

Coffeehouse Jam is Friday, October 2^nd, from 7:30 to 10:30. As always, we’ll have a dynamic line-up of folk, standard, and musical theatre acts by regulars and newcomers. And we always have Open Mic, so please come and share your talents. If not, it’s fun just to listen to quality entertainment and partake of some delicious café treats.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events and classes.